Puck Drop is Now for the Blackhawks, do they have a Chance against the Devils?

The middle game of Chicago's 3 in 4 matchups starts now as the Blackhawks look to slow down one of the league's best skating teams. Superstar Jack Hughes, a former #1 overall selection in 2019, is off to another high scoring year at just under 1.5 points per game.

Hughes and the Devils will get their first up close look at Connor Bedard on their home ice as the Hawks come in ice cold looking to turn a likely blowout narrative into a story of unlikely fortunes for the leagues 31st ranked team.

The Devils, a Stanley Cup contender coming into the year, have been up and down so far in terms of outcomes however it appears to mainly be related to injuries at this point. 13 out of 20 points with a 6-3-1 record is nothing to sneeze at as the Devils look to climb the standings ladder. What better way to do so then to invite in a team with just 5 points in that same span now having lost 3 straight.

Goals will be an issue again for the Blackhawks who have only 1 in their last 6 periods of play despite an improved effort at Madison (it's between 7th and 8th ave on Pennsylvania 🤷‍♂️) Square (it's actually round 🤷‍♂️) Garden (no plants either 🤷‍♂️ ). Will they be able to get through a New Jersey squad looking to put this matchup away early?

The return of Colin Blackwell has been a bright spot for Chicago. His aggressive play, singular rushes, and board battle effort has been noticeable as well as sorely missed. For a team still missing key pieces, it's nice to have this (depth) one back as the Blackhawks look to have improved health in the new year.

With Connor Bedard, a newly minted All-Star (youngest to make an all-star team in NHL history), anything can happen.... so let's drop the puck and show these Devils the pits of despair when looking upward at a scoreboard that doesn't shine on them!